Turkish website chief wins human rights award

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) has named Bülent Mumay, editor-in-chief of Hürriyet.com.tr, as the winner of its 2013 human rights award.

Web co-ordinator Mumay is being honoured for his human rights-oriented editorial approach and his dedication to the rights of Turkish citizens.

Hürriyet.com.tr is widely believed to represent the views of many different groups in Turkish society and, through its news reporting, has contributed to the promotion of fundamental rights in Turkey.

The website's reports became increasingly important throughout this year in the face of mounting pressure from the authorities and a challenging time for the country. A team of some 30 journalists work for the outlet.

Born in 1977, Mumay is a graduate of Istanbul university. He did his master's thesis on "internet journalism and the changing role of news" and is working on a doctorate at the university's journalism school.

Mumay has previously worked for the Hürriyet daily newspaper, as an editor at ntvmsnbc.com, and was deputy chief editor of the Radikal newspaper.

The SEEMO award will be presented by Oliver Vujovic, SEEMO's secretary-general, on 4 December 2013 in Istanbul. SEEMO, an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), established its human rights award in 2002.

(2013-11-29/theguardian)